Chalk stream Fishing

River Itchen

For some the River Itchen is the ultimate chalk stream.
Much shorter than its counterpart the River Test (17 miles vs. 39 miles),
the Itchen is formed by the Alre, Tichborne and Candover Brook, which
come together just below Alresford.

For seven lovely miles it flows westerly through the now mostly defunct water meadow pastures until it reaches the ancient capital of England, Winchester. Heading south it flows almost beneath the shadow from the tower of the Cathedral, alongside the playing fields of Winchester College and on into open country again.

Eventually, fourteen miles into its journey the river reaches the conurbation of Southampton, turning brackish at the Woodmill salmon pool before spilling into the ocean.

EAST LODGE

East Lodge has over 2 miles of fishing in meadows that are just a few miles downstream of Winchester.

With a nod to tradition this is all dry fly with a great variety of water to cover. The main river is open and easy to fish, whilst Rosemary’s Leat, a fast following side stream that cuts across the water meadows, is the very essence of a chalkstream. It is all under the care of full time keeper, Rob Rees.

There is an impressive fishing lodge with every facility. The fishing is available for single rods or parties of up to ten. Take four rods or more for exclusive use.

AVINGTON

The River Itchen carrier at Avington is the perfect example
of a small, gin-clear chalkstream where sight fishing is very much
the order of the day. The fast flowing stream has plenty of small
wild brownies, supplemented by brown trout that are reared at Avington.

The facilities are second to none with a comprehensive tackle shop,
run by the ever helpful fishery manager Sam, plus a café
and smokery. The carriers are part of the famous Avington Lakes
Fishery, home to many British trout records.

This is all bank fishing where it is best to use a rod of around
8ft in the 3 weight range with dry fly or nymph, the latter allowed
all season provided they are traditional chalkstream patterns. There
are two beats; the Lower is suitable for one rod or two friends.
The upper is for a single Rod.

SHAWFORD PARK

Shawford Park is a hidden gem in the grounds of the magnificent Shawford Park House that dates back to the fifteenth century.

The private estate employs full time river keeper Pete Glyn-Jones who has looked after the fishing for a decade with great care. There are two beats, both of which you will fish, one on the main river and the other a fast carrier. In total they provide close to a mile of water in wonderful surroundings.

There is the option to wade the carrier of you wish, but you’ll have no problem if you want to stay on the bank. The fishing is available for single rods or parties of up to three. There is a simple fishing hut and easy parking.

QING YA XI LODGE NEW

Formerly known as Kingfisher Lodge, Qing Ya Xi, which roughly translates as 'tranquil water' from the original Mandarin, is a truly delightful fishery.

This is really three beats within a single beat: the leat, the navigation and the main river proper. The fast, tumbling leat has a host of wild fish, the slower flowing navigation the big, fussy fish and the main River Itchen ideal for sight fishing.

With great variety, a lovely fishing room and plenty of scope to wander this is ideal for a single Rod or parties of two or three.